Don’t give Nigeria’s enemies breathing space – Buhari tells Soldiers

President Muhammadu Buhari has asked the military not to give criminal elements any breathing space to undermine Nigeria’s interests. He said this during an official visit to Maiduguri, Borno state capital, on Thursday.

The president commended the troops for their loyalty and selfless service to Nigeria, asking them not to relent in their efforts to bring an end to insurgency in the region.

“Your collective efforts have resulted in the relative peace being enjoyed in the region today. Under my watch, the Armed Forces of Nigeria have been provided with a firm strategy and clear sense of direction to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country,” Buhari said.

“We should not allow our adversaries the opportunity or breathing space to challenge or undermine our national interests and core values. The defence and security agencies should rest assured of the Federal Government’s unalloyed commitment to winning the battle against terror and criminality.

“I am particularly happy to note the increasing understanding and cooperation within the military, as well as the inter-agency cooperation in the fight against the terrorists and other criminal elements in the North East.

“The outcome of this synergy is evidenced by the successes recorded in the ongoing Operation TURA TAKAIBANGO which has so far degraded the insurgents’ capabilities in the Timbuktu Triangle, Sambisa Forest and the Lake Chad Region.”